That Was Delicious

Join us on our Substack, AKA The Foodletter!   In this episode, Brooke Eliason sits down with pie artist and cookbook author Stacey Mei Yan Fong, who shares her unique journey of blending baking and storytelling through her cookbook, "50 Pies, 50 States." Stacey discusses her immigrant experience and how she found comfort, identity, and connection by baking a pie inspired by every state in America. Listeners will hear about Stacey’s artistic approach to creating state-themed pies, her process of developing meaningful dedications, and the powerful role food plays in creating connection across cultures and generations. Key Takeaways: [02:30] Baking as a Form of Expression: Stacey shares how her background as a Singaporean, Indonesian, and Hong Kong native influenced her journey, making pie a symbol of abundance and creativity. [07:28] Cultural Comfort Through Food: Parallels between Southern cuisine and Chinese comfort foods reflect Stacey’s love of blending diverse culinary traditions. [10:35] The Creation of "50 Pies, 50 States": Stacey’s project began as a personal journey during a challenging time when she applied for her U.S. green card and sought meaning in her experience through baking. [11:53] Dedications and Stories Behind Each Pie: Stacey reveals the heartfelt dedication of each pie in the book, which highlights her friendships and connections with people from each state. [19:30] Challenges and Joys of Cookbook Writing: Stacey candidly discusses the rewarding challenges she faced in creating the recipes, such as the culturally complex South Dakota pie inspired by Native American cuisine. [21:10] Pie as a Unifying Force: Stacey believes that food can bridge gaps and foster meaningful connections, regardless of differing backgrounds or beliefs. [30:16] Tips for the Perfect Pie: Stacey shares practical baking tips, including chilling dough to avoid stress and the importance of using high-fat butter.   Notable Quotes: (04:45) "Pie is kind of like the best metaphor for all the possibilities in this country."  (12:03) "I decided I’m going to make a pie for every state in America." (21:38) "Pie is the vehicle to connect to different generations, to different cultures." (32:49) "Making a pie should not be one of the things that stress you out."   Resources Get a copy of Stacey’s newest cookbook, 50 Pies, 50 States Visit the official 50 Pies 50 States website Follow Stacey on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Join us on our Substack, AKA The Foodletter! Erin is a cookbook author, recipe developer, and baker extraordinaire. She started baking as a young girl and put her skills to the test at the Culinary Institute of America. She’s now published three award-winning cookbooks, all on baking, and hosts the binge-worthy series Bake It Up A Notch for Food52. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Food Network, Bon Appetit, Food52 just to name a few.    In this episode of That Was Delicious, Brooke and Erin discuss everything you need to know about making fantastic homemade pie from scratch, including best practices for prepping and baking pie dough, rookie mistakes that people make when baking pie, some of Erin’s favorite recipes (and her favorite pies for beginners), plus a healthy dose of encouragement for anyone who may be new to pie baking (spoiler alert: you got this!). Key Takeaways [04:18] Erin's love of pies started with family traditions and bonding moments with her grandmother over pie-making. [08:29] The communal nature of pie makes it an excellent opportunity to bring people together; it is inherently a "shared experience." [12:45] The "Sturdy Pie Challenge" is Erin's way of teaching proper pie-baking techniques to help achieve a stable, sliceable crust without sacrificing tenderness and flakiness. [15:52] The importance of par-baking (partially baking a crust) and blind baking (fully baking a crust) for achieving a sturdy and crispy pie base. [20:00] Chilling dough and understanding the role of butter temperature in achieving a flaky pie crust. [27:45] Allowing pies to cool at room temperature is essential for the pie to properly set and achieve the desired texture, even if patience is required. [35:29] Custard and cream pies are great starting points for beginners, as they are simpler to master compared to fruit pies. [45:55] The joy and creative fulfillment that come from baking, especially making pies, which Erin encourages everyone to explore.   Notable Quotes (06:17) “Pie is really meaningful to me on multiple levels, and I’ve always wanted to spread the gospel of pie.” – Erin Jeanne McDowell (09:35) “When in doubt, chill it out.” – Erin Jeanne McDowell (32:04) “Don’t be afraid of a deeply golden brown crust. There’s a big difference between deeply golden and burnt.” – Erin Jeanne McDowell (45:30) “Baking in general is like muscle memory, and the more you do it, the less scary and more automatic it becomes.” – Erin Jeanne McDowell   Resources   Watch Erin’s @food52 series, Bake It Up A Notch! Buy a copy of Erin’s pie cookbook, The Book On Pie Get a copy of Erin’s newest cookbook, Savory Baking Follow Erin on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode of That Was Delicious, we dive into the world of home organization and decluttering with Stephanie Dulgarian, founder of Somewhat Simple Living. Stephanie shares her journey from a family blog to building a platform that inspires over 400,000 followers to simplify their lives. We explore practical tips for organizing your kitchen and home, making spaces more functional and less overwhelming. Whether you’re struggling with clutter or looking for ways to streamline your household, Stephanie’s insights will help you create a space you love without the stress. Key Takeaways [23:25] Clear Your Counters: Start by removing everything from your kitchen counters, wiping them clean, and only replacing items that are absolutely essential. A minimalist approach creates both visual and functional clarity. [29:03] Use Baskets and Trays for Intentional Storage: Keep your counters organized by using trays or baskets for papers, mail, and other everyday items. This keeps clutter contained and intentional. [32:15] Audit Your Kitchenware: Streamline your kitchen cupboards by keeping matching dishes and glassware that stack neatly. This creates both visual harmony and saves space. [39:00] Limit Food Storage Containers: Stick to 2-3 sizes of food storage containers that nest well together, reducing clutter and the chaos of mismatched lids and boxes. [44:52] Organize with Drawer Inserts: Measure your drawers and invest in organizers that fit the space. Only keep items that fit within the organizers, reducing the temptation to accumulate unnecessary gadgets. Notable Quotes (13:12) "Less stuff is just all around better. Less stuff, more stories—that’s my mantra." (25:52) “Not only will your counters look clean, but you’re also saving time on the things you’ll have to wipe down and clean.” (09:04) "I used to tell my husband that shopping’s my therapy… Now, I get the same high from getting rid of stuff." Resources Explore Stephanie’s tips for simplifying your life: Somewhat Simple Living  For family-friendly recipes, visit her food site: Somewhat Simple Follow Stephanie on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Join our brand new substack!   In this holiday-themed episode, Erika Kwee, known for her data-driven bake-offs, returns to discuss her favorite holiday recipes. Erika shares insights from her extensive bake-offs, covering everything from pumpkin bread and pies to holiday cookies and yeasted rolls. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their holiday baking with tried-and-tested recipes and tips. Whether you love pumpkin pie or prefer a flaky Parker House roll, you'll discover new favorites and techniques to make your holiday baking shine. Key Takeaways [05:50] Pumpkin Bread Evolution: Erika shares how she developed her pumpkin bread recipe by combining elements from popular recipes like Tartine and Smitten Kitchen. [10:20] Perfect Pumpkin Pie: Erika's pie winner, Flour Bakery’s recipe, stands out for its rich pumpkin flavor and silky texture, making it worth the effort. [16:00] Apple Pie Tips: Thinly sliced apples are key for the perfect apple pie texture, ensuring even cooking and avoiding the dreaded raw middle. [22:15] Ditch the Corn Syrup: Erika recommends using brown sugar or golden syrup in pecan pie for more flavor and better texture. [26:03] Ginger Sugar for Molasses Cookies: For an extra kick, roll ginger molasses cookie dough in ginger sugar before baking to boost the ginger flavor. [47:30] Tangzhong Method for Yeasted Rolls: Using this technique adds extra moisture and tenderness to rolls, as seen in Joshua Weissman's winning recipe. Notable Quotes (09:32) "The secret to a standout pumpkin pie is pulling it out of the oven when it's just a bit jiggly—then it finishes cooking to creamy perfection." (22:15) "Ditch the corn syrup for pecan pie. Using golden syrup or brown sugar adds so much more depth and flavor." (26:25) "If you love your molasses cookies spicy, rolling the dough in ginger sugar will hit your taste buds with a punch of flavor." Resources Best Pumpkin Bread Bake-Off Best Pecan Pie Bake-Off Best Sugar Cookie Bake-Off Follow The Pancake Princess on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode of That Was Delicious, host Brooke shares her personal experiences and insights from her travels in Italy, focusing on the eight biggest mistakes she’s made. With extensive time spent exploring Italy's vibrant cities, culinary delights, and hidden gems, Brooke offers listeners valuable tips and lessons learned from her travels. From overpacking to visiting during peak season, Brooke’s reflections provide practical advice to help travelers avoid common pitfalls and enhance their own Italian adventures. Whether you're planning a trip to Italy or simply curious about the country's rich culture, this episode is packed with useful insights.   Key Takeaways [3:11] Packing Too Much: Brooke shares the challenges of overpacking, especially when visiting places like Cinque Terre, where lighter packing is ideal due to the terrain. [6:43] Not Planning Meals: She stresses the importance of planning meals ahead of time, especially when visiting popular tourist spots to avoid disappointment. [9:55] Moving Too Quickly: One of the biggest mistakes is rushing through cities. Brooke recommends spending at least three to five days in each city to fully appreciate it. [13:15] Visiting During Peak Season: Brooke advises traveling in the shoulder seasons (September, October, May) to avoid the crowds and heat of summer. [16:00] Not Buying Tickets in Advance: For popular attractions like The Last Supper in Milan and The David in Florence, Brooke recommends purchasing tickets well in advance. [18:07] Not Getting an International Driving Permit: She encourages travelers to get an international driving permit for renting cars in Italy. [20:20] Grocery Store Etiquette: Brooke explains the importance of weighing and labeling produce in Italian grocery stores, as well as using gloves when handling items. [22:10] Not Understanding Italian Food Culture: Each region in Italy specializes in specific dishes, and it’s important to know what to eat where.   Notable Quotes (11:00) "You miss out on the beauty of a place when you're constantly rushing to the next destination. Take the time to savor where you are." (20:08) "If you're planning on coming to Italy and driving, just get the permit and bring it with you. You'll be so happy you did." (22:10) "Don't make the mistake of thinking Italy is one homogeneous place when it comes to food. Every region has its own specialties, and you should embrace that."   Resources: Sign up for the latest tour information at www.femalefoodietours.com. Cinque Terre & Bologna Tour Info Collapsible Duffel Bag Interview with Mike Brooks and Brad Otten 20 Must-Know Tips For Eating Out in Italy Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode, Brooke offers a detailed guide on what to pack for a trip to Italy, drawing from years of experience hosting Female Foodie Tours. The episode is filled with practical packing tips for everything from clothing and shoes to personal items and gadgets. Whether you're a light packer or prefer to check a bag, you'll learn essential strategies to maximize your trip to Italy or Europe in general. The episode also includes advice on dressing according to Italian culture, handling long-haul flights, and avoiding common packing pitfalls.   Key Takeaways [04:20] The importance of considering the time of year you visit Italy. If possible, visit during spring or fall to avoid the peak summer crowds and enjoy more pleasant weather. [06:00] Traveling light can be beneficial, especially in locations like Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast, where navigating the terrain with heavy luggage can be challenging. [07:10] Always use an AirTag when checking bags, as it helps track lost luggage, giving you peace of mind. [13:07] Italians don’t typically wear athleisure in public, so consider packing clothes that fit in with local styles if you prefer not to stand out. [15:34] Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable when packing for Italy. Opt for sneakers, and make sure they’re broken in before your trip. [22:40] Pack essential toiletries and a spare change of clothes in your carry-on, especially for long-haul flights, in case your checked luggage is lost.   Notable Quotes (05:32) "I want you to have an incredible trip, so being prepared is key." (07:10) "Buy an AirTag—it’s worth every penny. It gives you peace of mind when your bag is lost." (13:07) "Italian women don’t wear athleisure. If you don’t want to stand out, consider packing clothes that match the local style." (15:33) "The most important item you will pack for Italy is comfortable walking shoes."   Resources: ON walking sneakers MZ Wallace Travel Bag Apple AirTag Packing Cubes Bed Head Dual Voltage Curler Best Conditioner In The World (not travel size) Travel Bottles Set for Toiletries Lululemon Belt Bag / Fanny Pack Apple World Travel Adapter Kit Neck Pillow Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Show Notes Slow Roasted Chicken with Potatoes Easy Honey Granola Coffee Cake Cookies Risotto alla Milanese (Saffron Risotto) Whole Roasted Cauliflower Coquine-Inspired Chocolate Chip Cookies French Onion Soup Fall Salad with Rotisserie Chicken & Cornbread Croutons Perfect Tomato Soup with Parmesan Croutons 30-Minute Gnocchi Bolognese Olive Oil Pumpkin Bread Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon TashiBox Mini Dutch Oven Pasta Class Florence Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode of That Was Delicious, we sit down with Chris Flanagan and Maya Setton, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Grana, a Neapolitan pizzeria in Portland, Oregon. From humble beginnings as a pop-up to becoming one of the top pizza destinations in the U.S., Chris and Maya share their journey in the culinary world. They delve into their passion for authentic pizza-making, the challenges of running a restaurant, and the joy of turning a vision into reality. Listeners will gain insights into the art of Neapolitan pizza, building a successful business, and the power of perseverance in the food industry.   Key Takeaways   [00:35] The Start of Grana: Chris and Maya began as a pop-up pizzeria, slowly building a reputation for authentic Neapolitan pizza. [10:00] Pizza Journey: Chris’s journey from a small-town upbringing in Oregon to becoming a chef, with his first job in a pizzeria, to opening Grana. [14:42] Family-Driven Business: The couple navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising kids and balancing family life. [16:42] Neapolitan Pizza Secrets: Chris shares the intricate process of perfecting Neapolitan pizza dough and why temperature and timing are critical. [26:45] Las Vegas Pizza Challenge: Chris’s experience competing in the international pizza competition, placing 15th out of 100 competitors. [35:00] Vision Board Success: Maya’s story of how they made it onto the prestigious “50 Top Pizza” list and the power of manifesting their dreams. [42:20] Staffing Challenges: The importance of building a reliable team and overcoming staffing challenges in the restaurant industry.   Notable Quotes   (12:24) “Every single pizza that comes out of the oven makes me happy. It’s like a growing dough that you shape, and when everything comes together just right—it’s magic.” – Chris (22:35) “We built a business during COVID, with two kids at home. It was chaotic, but we figured it out.” – Maya (35:05) “We believed in our product and knew it was good, but we just needed our big break—and it came with the ‘50 Top Pizza’ list.” – Maya (42:24) “The hardest part was staffing—finding people who believe in what you're doing and want to be a part of it.” – Maya   Resources: Visit the official Grana Pizzeria website Follow Grana Pizzeria on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode of That Was Delicious, host Brooke welcomes the iconic Debbi Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, to discuss her journey from a young cookie enthusiast to becoming America's Cookie Queen. Debbi shares her story of growing up in a modest household, the challenges she faced while building her cookie empire, and how her determination and passion for quality ingredients led to her success. Listeners will gain insights into Debbi's entrepreneurial spirit, her innovative approach to overcoming business challenges, and the importance of perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply love a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Key Takeaways [07:58] The Power of Passion and Quality Ingredients: Debbi shares how discovering butter as a key ingredient transformed her baking and led her to commit to using only the best ingredients. [13:01] Facing Rejection and Persevering: Despite numerous rejections from investors, Debbi's relentless pursuit of her dream helped her secure the funding needed to start Mrs. Fields. [21:20] Innovative Marketing Techniques: On the first day of business, Debbi's innovative approach of giving away free cookies to attract customers helped her turn failure into success. [25:01] Building a Brand Around Customer Experience: Debbi focused on creating a memorable customer experience, believing that customer satisfaction would naturally lead to financial success. [29:18] Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges: Balancing her role as a mother of five and a businesswoman, Debbi talks about the importance of finding support and staying true to one's personal and professional goals. [36:34] Empowering Employees and Creating a Positive Culture: Debbi discusses her unique hiring process, emphasizing the importance of passion for the product and the ability to create a fun and engaging environment. [44:58] Adapting to Change and Knowing When to Let Go: Debbi reflects on the difficulty of selling her company and the importance of staying true to one's values, even when faced with challenging decisions. Notable Quotes (08:15) "Butter changed my life. At 13, I decided I would never use margarine again. Quality is affordable." (16:30) "The chance will never come if you give up. Keep knocking, keep asking, because someone out there wants to say yes to you."  (25:10) "I never focused on money. The only register that matters is you want to register happiness." (39:25) "When you're building a company, you need people willing to move mountains, to do something fun, different, and even embarrassing."  Resources: Visit the official Mrs. Fields website Purchase Debbie’s Cookbook, Mrs. Fields Cookie Book Follow Debbi Fields on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Annie Fenn, a renowned expert in brain health and the founder of the Brain Health Kitchen, joins us to discuss how our dietary choices can significantly impact cognitive function and the prevention of dementia. Dr. Fenn, who transitioned from a career as an OBGYN to a focus on brain health, shares invaluable insights from her latest research and her cookbook dedicated to brain-healthy recipes. Listeners will gain practical tips on how to incorporate brain-boosting foods into their diets, understand the science behind cognitive health, and learn how to make simple but effective changes to their daily routines for long-term brain health.   Key Takeaways [13:00] The Impact of Diet on Cognitive Health: Dr. Fenn explains how specific dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by over 50%. [31:00] Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods: Why eliminating ultra-processed foods is crucial for brain health and how they contribute to inflammation and cognitive decline. [16:00] Brain-Healthy Food Groups: A focus on the ten food groups essential for brain health, including berries, leafy greens, and nuts, with practical advice on incorporating them into everyday meals. [21:30] The Role of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Why extra virgin olive oil should be a staple in your diet and how it protects both brain and heart health. [38:00] Mindful Eating Practices: How to build a brain-healthy diet by making strategic food swaps and paying attention to the diversity of foods consumed. Notable Quotes (31:15) "Brain health begins in the kitchen. The foods we choose to eat directly impact how our brains age and function." (13:50) "The Mediterranean diet isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how you live, how you gather, and how you enjoy food." (22:00) "Even small swaps in your diet, like replacing butter with olive oil, can have a profound impact on your long-term brain health." Resources: Get Annie’s  cookbook, The Brain Health Kitchen   Check out Annie’s website at Brain Health Kitchen Follow Annie on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

In this episode, Brooke welcomes Megan Foley, a seasoned performance dietician and professional triathlete, to discuss her experiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Megan shares a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Olympic Village, the challenges athletes face in terms of nutrition and daily routines, and her role in supporting athletes to achieve peak performance. Listeners will gain insights into the unique lifestyle within the Olympic Village, the importance of proper nutrition for athletes, and the pressures of competing at the highest level. Key Takeaways [00:44] Megan's background in sports performance nutrition and her experience as a professional triathlete. [05:02] The two pathways in elite triathlon: Olympic distance and Ironman, and how Megan found her niche in short-distance racing. [15:53] Life in the Olympic Village, from dorm-style accommodations to the 24/7 cafeteria and the social dynamics among athletes. [24:26] The importance of carbohydrates in an athlete's diet and how the Olympic Village catered to these needs with various food options. [30:06] The challenges athletes face in finding time to relax amidst a busy schedule, and the importance of managing stress and recovery. [34:48] Megan’s insights on how the food provided in the Olympic Village could be optimized to better meet the specific needs of elite athletes. [36:59] Megan's favorite food memory from the Olympics – the fresh baguettes that were available daily in the Village. Notable Quotes (09:55) "If you are constantly operating in a deficit, you're never going to be at 100%. You’re never going to actually reach your potential because you're always just leaving this margin of unmet needs." (13:00) "We really need to stop the messaging that you need to diet to be a better athlete or be super lean. Nobody's weighing endurance athletes at the end of an event." (30:45) "You haven't laid down in three days, right? Rest is as important as training, especially at this level." (36:20) "There’s just something about bread straight out of the oven that's hard to beat, and it was not beaten." Resources: Visit her website at www.megafoley.com Follow Megan on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Alessandro Frassica is an Italian chef and the creator of our favorite panino shop of all time, Ino, in Florence, Italy. Alessandro is a cookbook author, the recipient of several noteworthy culinary awards, and a proud husband and father. His friends affectionally call him Ino and today on That Was Delicious, we discuss what makes a fantastic panino, how he started his iconic panino shop 18 years ago, and how to enjoy Italian food in its purest form without overcomplicating things.      Follow Ino on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram Visit Ino in Florence

Carolina Gelen is an exceptionally talented food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. Originally from Romania, she immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 to pursue her passion for cooking. Carolina is without question one of the most noteworthy, talented recipe developers of our time. Today on That Was Delicious, Brooke & Carolina discuss Carolina’s captivating story of how she immigrated to the U.S., some of the culture shocks she encountered early on, how she grew her audience and began developing recipes, and what it was like developing a cookbook with 100 original recipes with noteworthy publisher Clarkson Potter.        Resources:  Get Carolina’s  cookbook, Pass The Plate Follow Carolina on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

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Show Notes: Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Rome Tour Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Tuscany Tour Fresh off a seven-week adventure hosting Female Foodie tours in Italy, Brooke shares seven invaluable lessons she learned from Italian food culture in this episode. From perfecting signature dishes to savoring slow meals, Brooke's observations offer a glimpse inside Italian cuisine and what makes it so spectacular. Whether you're a foodie, a home cook, or you simply love Italy, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to bring a touch of Italy into your own kitchen.   Key Takeaways: Perfect Signature Dishes: Italians perfect their signature dishes by cooking them repeatedly, resulting in unparalleled quality and consistency. Implement this by focusing on a few key recipes and refining them over time. (03:02) Cook with Seasonal and Local Ingredients: Embrace the seasons and cook with what is regionally available, enhancing flavors and freshness. Visit local farmers' markets for inspiration and fresh produce. (07:08) Keep It Simple: Simplicity is key in Italian cuisine. Use high-quality ingredients and let them shine without overcomplicating dishes. Aim for fewer ingredients with better quality. (10:15) Moderation over Restriction: Italians enjoy their food without obsessive restrictions. Focus on balanced portions and enjoy a variety of dishes in moderation. (14:53) Include Children in Food Rituals: Italians cherish involving children in meals and cooking, fostering a love for food and family traditions. Encourage kids to help in the kitchen and make mealtime a shared experience. (21:18) Value Family Recipes: Preserve and pass down family recipes to maintain culinary heritage and create lasting memories. Spend time cooking with older family members to learn and document traditional dishes. (24:25) Savor Slow Meals: Italians take time to enjoy their meals, using food as a vehicle for connection and conversation. Make an effort to slow down and savor your meals, especially during family gatherings. (30:35)     Notable Quotes: "Food is the vehicle for connection and discussion and intimacy." - Brooke (35:08)   Timestamped Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction and recap of Italy trip 01:33 - Announcing 2025 Female Foodie tours 03:02 - Lesson 1: Perfecting signature dishes 07:08 - Lesson 2: Cooking with seasonal and local ingredients 10:15 - Lesson 3: Keeping it simple 14:53 - Lesson 4: Moderation over restriction 21:18 - Lesson 5: Including children in food rituals 24:25 - Lesson 6: Valuing family recipes 30:35 - Lesson 7: Savoring slow meals   Resources: Follow Female Foodie on Instagram Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Rome Tour Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Tuscany Tour

Carmen is a passionate and talented garden and food enthusiast who has been sharing her love for homegrown cuisine with the world for almost a decade. She’s built an incredible following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube by sharing impressive dishes, cooking tips, and gardening advice. She is trusted for her practical tips and recommendations, and her readers are inspired by her innovative use of homegrown ingredients.   In this episode, Brooke interviews Carmen, discussing her journey from how she pivoted from a prospective law school student to a gardening sensation. Carmen shares her experiences, challenges, and tips for both new and experienced gardeners that make gardening approachable and fun.    Key Takeaways:   Starting Small: Begin with manageable projects like potted herbs or a small raised bed. (07:33) Soil Health: Focus on composting to improve soil health for better plant growth. (16:16) Patience and Consistency: Gardening requires regular attention and patience. (32:12) Common Mistakes: Avoid overplanting, ensure consistent care, and manage watering appropriately. (32:54) Gardening Hacks: Use felt grow bags for potatoes and understand your USDA growing zone for better plant selection. (23:00, 37:01) Importance of Zone Knowledge: Understanding your USDA zone helps in selecting the right plants for your area. (37:01) Herbs and Leafy Greens: Herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, as well as leafy greens like kale, are great for beginners and versatile in the kitchen. (38:54) Tomato Tips: Stake your tomatoes early, prune regularly, and harvest when they start to blush. (41:14) Enjoy the Process: Embrace the journey of gardening with its ups and downs; it's a hands-on learning experience. (44:12) Homegrown Satisfaction: Growing your own food provides a unique satisfaction and better taste. (11:01)   Notable Quotes: "Gardening is really not as hard as people think it is. It's super fun, and you just have to start." - Carmen (44:22) "There's something truly satisfying about growing your own food and knowing where it comes from." - Brooke (10:19) "The first meal that I fully sourced from my own garden was the best feeling ever." - Carmen (45:49) "Embrace the journey— there's going to be ups and downs. There's going to be a lot of successes and some failures as well." - Carmen(44:22) "You just have to start. I think a lot of people trip themselves up being like picking the perfect thing or the perfect time or anything like that." - Carmen (44:22) Resources:   Sunset Western Garden Book Follow Carmen in the Garden on TikTok Follow Carmen in the Garden on Instagram Subscribe to Carmen in the Garden’s Substack Newsletter Follow Female Foodie on Instagram     Timestamped Highlights:   00:31 - Introduction to Carmen in the Garden 02:27 - Carmen's childhood and early influences 04:44 - Transition from political science to gardening 07:33 - Tips for beginning gardeners 10:19 - The rise of homesteading and gardening trends 14:25 - Evolution of Carmen's garden 19:02 - Composting basics 21:18 - Raised bed gardening pros and cons 27:03 - Overview of Carmen's current garden setup 32:12 - Common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them 37:01 - Importance of understanding gardening zones 38:38 - Easy-to-grow plants for beginners 41:09 - Tips for growing tomatoes 44:12 - Final thoughts on gardening 45:49 - Carmen's favorite homegrown meal

Mckay is a mother, wife, and SLC native and has been an insect and bee enthusiast for over 16 years. She specializes in natural beekeeping and honey tastings and shares informative and captivating content with her rapidly growing audience of over 150,000 followers.      Today on this episode of That Was Delicious, McKay and Brooke discuss beekeeping and honey in-depth, including everything you should know about how honey is made, shortcuts big businesses make when it comes to the production of honey, what to look for when purchasing honey, and so much more.      Resources: Get a honey tasting box for two Follow McKay on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Levi DeGarmo is a Salt Lake City native and has been in the food and beverage industry for over 20 years. Today on the show we discuss the dramatic changes concerning tipping over the past few years (AKA tipping fatigue), including how to tip, when to tip, and more insightful conversation between two former co-workers. Resources: Follow Female Foodie on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/femalefoodie/)

Kacie Rose had always dreamed of coming to Italy, but when she finally took the plunge and visited for the first time on a solo trip in 2018, she had no idea that as she says, in true Lizzie McGuire fashion, she would meet the love of her life. Fast forward to 2024 and Kacie is now a full-blown content creator and Italy expert, sharing her wisdom and day-to-day life with over a million of her adoring fans online.      Today in this episode of That Was Delicious, we discuss Kacie’s story of how she ended up living full-time in Italy, some of the culture shocks she had (and still has) living in Italy, tips for travelers coming to Tuscany, and her brand new book: You Deserve Good Gelato.     Resources:   Cascine Market (Tuesdays) Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio Vivoli La Sorbettiera Pino’s Sandwiches Trattoria Marione Osteria Cinghiale Bianco Osteria e Vinaino Cicalone Check out Kacie’s website, Kacie Rose Travel Get Kacie’s new book, You Deserve Good Gelato Follow Kacie on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Julia Scarpaleggia is a Tuscan-born and bred food writer, cookbook author, podcaster, and cooking class instructor. She learned to cook from her grandmother and mother and lives in the countryside in her family house with her husband Tommaso, their beautiful daughter Livia, and two rescue dogs, Noa and Teo.   Today on That Was Delicious, we discuss how JulsKitchen.com came to be, what it’s like being a food blogger in Italy, how she started cooking classes, Italian food culture, and so much more.   Resources:   Check out Giulia’s website, Juls’ Kitchen  Get Giulia’s latest cookbook, Cucina Povera Follow Giulia on Instagram Follow female foodie on Instagram